Back to the Eighties: Handle With Care

Original video located here. Accessed 31st December 2022

Song title: Handle With Care

Artist: Travelling Wilburys

Year: 1988

Why I like this song:

It is well documented that a key moment in my education of pop music was getting up early on a Saturday morning to watch the top 40 on this TV show called rage (that my older sister knew about).

It was how I came across this song. Funnily enough, at the time I knew who Roy Orbison was but I had no idea who the other four guys were....

Still, this song still holds up years later and it is a shining example of five veterans getting together and seeing what comes of it. And if a song that stuck with me as a six year old can still work for me when I'm in my forties then something must've worked.

Back to the Eighties: The Winner Takes It All

Original video located here. Accessed 30th December 2022

Song title: The Winner Takes it All

Artist: ABBA

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

Proving my hypothesis that the 80s were a fertile period for break up songs we come to the mother of all break up songs.

It may be easy to dismiss ABBA for producing 'silly pop songs' but personally? When they decide to get serious, it makes one sit up and take notice. So yeah, it's my favourite of ABBA's catalogue purely because it is both relatable and quite he emotional rollercoaster, coming from a band you wouldn't think had it in them.

Favourite line: "And I understand / You've come to shake my hand.."

Back to the Eighties: Surfing With the Alien

Original video located here. Accessed 29th December 2022

Song title: Surfing with the Alien

Artist: Joe Satriani

Year: 1987

Why I like this song:

I have always maintained that my interest in metal stems from the fact that there are some very talented musicians attached to that genre. So when you wish for more people who follow the Frank Zappa dictum of "Shut up and play your guitar", one eventually arrives here.

I cannot recall why I decided to purchase this album was from. Was it the Silver Surfer on the cover? Was it the vague idea of instrumental metal? But who cares: This song is great and shows a true master of the craft.

Back to the Eighties: Rockin' in the Free World

Original video located here. Accessed 24th December 2024

Song title: Rockin' in the Free World

Artist: Neil Young

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

It's fascinating to hear music of the late eighties now because, with hindsight, it is possible to pick up signposts of what was going to happen in the following decade.

And this is one such example: Not only is it Neil Young weighing in with some righteous anger but it is also an example of proto-grunge.

Funny how it takes an old guy to show the kids how it's done.

Not much I can add except it has plenty of fire years later and is a sterling example of how to do a comeback

Back to the Eighties: Posion

Original video located here. Accessed 27th December 2022

Song title: Poison

Artist: Alice Cooper

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

I recall this song, at the time, making an impression on my seven-year old mind. And it would seem that said impression was quite the long lasting one.

Also there was a time when I'd confuse this song with Guns N Roses' Sweet Child of Mine. Most likely because the opening riffs sound similar.

Actually, forget what I said about the Killing Moon: THIS is the sound of being approached by a succubus XD

Back to the Eighties: The Flame

Original video located here. Accessed 26th December 2022

Song title: The Flame

Artist: Cheap Trick

Year: 1988

Why I like this song:

I know some people don't like this song. Some people disregard it has more Power balled Malarky. Some people feel it goes against the grain of what made Cheap Trick initially so interesting.

But in this case, the romantic side of me won out.

I will certainly admit that, for years, this is song did speak the hopeless romantic in me (emphasis on the word hopeless) and in to that end it certainly had quite a bit of staying power - which is more than can be said of other songs of the same era.

Back to the Eighties: I'm an Adult Now

Original video located here. Accessed 25th December 2022

Song title: I'm an Adult Now

Artist: The Pursuit of Happiness

Year: 1988

Why I like this song:

Comedy in pop music is a tricky proposition. Because pop music is built around repetition. Tell the same joke often enough and it becomes tiresome and even annoying, But this song works purely because of it's relatability. It isn't much of a stretch for anyone to latch onto this song upon entering adulthood and connecting with some of these lines. "Gotta get up and take on that world / When you're an adult it's no cliche it's the truth"

In addition it's also not much of a stetch to change the refrain into "I'm on the dole now!"

Personally I still get a chuckle out of this song no matter how many times I have heard it - Favourite line: "I don't write songs about girls any more / I have to write songs about women / No more 'Boy meets girl Boy loses girl' / More like: 'Man tries to understand what the hell went wrong!'"

Back to the Eighties: Fairytale of New York

Original video located here. Accessed 24th December 2022

Song title: Fairy-tale of New York

Artist: The Pogues

Year: 1988

Why I like this song:

It may be unconventional as a Christmas song but for many people, myself included, it is one that is true to life.

There was a period of time, back in 2004, that I was listening to the Pogues a lot. At first it was the novelty of hearing what would've happened had someone combined a punk rock band with n Irish folk band in some illegal mad scientist's laboratory. But then I picked up that there was some really stellar songwriting at play in this band.

That being said, what kind of Christmas song has the singers cursing each other? And is about failure? (Not one by Mariah Carey that's for sure) But, as stated above, the song's unconventional nature is part of it's appeal.

Finally, in recent months I have discovered my father had developed something of a liking for the Pogues. Looks like there's been some progress made....

Got it Covered: Alone

Original video located here. Accessed 23rd December 2022

Song title: Alone

Artist: Heart

Originally Done By: I-Ten

Year: 1987

Why I like this song:

On paper this seems corny: A power balled? Really? Sure it may be easy to dismiss power ballads being melodramatic and overwhelming to the point of being tiring.

But in this case, I have to admit: Ann Wilson's voice has a power that simply cannot be ignored. It also helps that the music is great and the rather striking line in the chorus ("I never even cared until I met you!!")

Back to the Eighties: Almost With You

Original video located here. Accessed 22nd December 2022

Song title: Almost With You

Artist: the Church

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

Jangle-pop Australian style. Yes, whilst the UK had the Smiths and the US had R.E.M., we had these guys.

When it comes to picking a song from the Church, it's a tough call as one is spoilt for choice. But I opted for this one as it plays to the Church's strengths: Abstract lyrics, great guitar work and a really neat acoustic solo

Back to the Eighties: Eternally Yours

Original video located here. Accessed 21st December 2022

Song title: Eternally Yours

Artist: Laughing Clowns

Year: 1983

Why I like this song:

I've had a keen interest in Ed Kuepper for years and have always followed what he's done. So lets talk about the band he had going in the early eighties known as the Laughing Clowns

Three things stand out about this song: Firstly, it sounds like nothing else that was produced at the time in Australia (or since for that matter). Second, the propulsive drumming. And thirdly that glorious saxophone solo. Great stuff all around

Back to the Eighties: What I Like About You

Original video located here. Accessed 20th December 2022

Song title: What I Like About You

Artist: The Romantics

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

Continuing the theme of songs that exist out of time and place, this has to be rock and roll at it's most primeval. It sounds like it has always existed, using riffs that you'd swear were ripped off of somewhere else.

And damn does it work wonders. It's damn infectious and even the harmonica solo works.

Back to the Eighties: Golden Brown

Original video located here. Accessed 19th December 2022

Song title: Golden Brown

Artist: The Stranglers

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

Another song that sounds so unique and completely devoid of any time and place. And it does so despite the fact that this song is a strange one. This is because a) it's in a waltz and b) you never hear a pop song featuring a harpsichord, let alone one where said instrument dominates.

Back to the Eighties: Wicked Game

Original video located here. Accessed 18th December 2022

Song title: Wicked Game

Artist: Chris Isaak

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

I hold this song as proof of my hypothesis that the eighties songs that sound the least eighties are the ones that age the best. Indeed, when i first became aware of this song I thought it was a nineties song but no: it came out earlier than that.

That and one would think this song was custom made for summer evenings spent on a beach....

Back to the Eighties: Africa

Original video located here. Accessed 17th December 2022

Song title: Africa

Artist: Toto

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

It may be a song about an idealised version of Africa (it should be known writer David Paich wrote the words based on what he saw in National Geographic) but hey, it's one of those songs that will never get old.

Back to the Eighties: Save Me

|Original video located here. Accessed 16th December 2022

Song title: Save Me

Artist: Queen

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

I can only imagine this, back in it's day, would've been a surprise for the singles buying public. Here's a band who had built up a career of fun and bombast and they deliver something sombre. But personally, I feel that this song walked so Who Wants to Live Forever/The Show Must Go On/These Are the Days of Our Lives could all run.

Years later, it's that going against the grain that still makes this song work. It also helps that the lyrics do indeed run the whole of phase of emotions dealing with a break up.

Got it Covered: Song to the Siren

Original video located here. Accessed 15th December 2022

Song title: Song to the Siren

Artist: This Mortal Coil

Originally Done By: Tim Buckley

Year: 1983

Why I like this song:

This is a song I would only discover well into adulthood. I knew of the song title and the band name, but beyond such a striking combination I knew nothing else.

So what is this song? It's dream pop at it's finest. It's a song where Liz Fraser puts her heart and soul into. It's a cover of a song by Tim Buckley (Jeff's dad for all you trainspotters).

But for me this is like nothing else out of the whole decade. No matter how many times I hear it, it takes me away to somewhere. else. And when it's done, it's like awakening from a dream - which is something very few songs can achieve successfully.

After all, is this a voice that is worth travelling an ocean for but will forever remain out of reach? One would think so.

Back to the Eighties: I Don't Want a Lover

Original video located here. Accessed 14th December 2023

Song title: I Don't Want a Lover

Artist: Texas

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

I recall this song being popular back when I was in the 2nd grade. I also recall, at the time, a particular books on ghosts from my primary school library that I would read intently. Needless to say, I have come to associate this song with the village of Pluckley.

But what strikes me about this song is the production. It's not just the slide guitar - no this song gives off a ghostly (har har) feel throughout. Indeed it was only hearing this song again in adulthood that I realise the harmonica part runs right through it.

Back to the Eighties: Emotion in Motion

Original video located here. Accessed 13th December 2022

Song title: Emotion in Motion

Artist: Ric Ocasek

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

Eighties production ahoy.

I will admit that yes I am a romantic at heart. And while this may not be well known (at the time it was a no.8 hit in Australia) this is quite the love song. Maybe it's just me but it conveys the sense of wonder that comes in being in a relationship with ease.

Back to the Eighties: Just Can't Get Enough

Original video located here. Accessed 12th December 2022

Song title: Just Can't Get Enough

Artist: Depeche Mode

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

It may not be the best representation of what Depeche Mode could accomplish but damn, is this infectious. In fact I doubt anyone could anyone could listen to this without cracking a grin - which says a lot for a band who are known for more dour material.

Back to the Eighties: That's Entertainment

Original video located here. Accessed 11th December 2022

Song title: That's Entertainment

Artist: The Jam

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

For the uninitiated, The Jam were part of the late-seventies British Punk rock scene. Therefore it's ironic that their best known song is something that doesn't sound at all punk.

But this is nothing less than striking: The acoustic guitar, the rumbling bass, the percussion that strikes so little that you notice it when it does and the lyrics dealing with observations about working class life.

Indeed, you could easily make the argument that this song has aged a lot better than the other songs of the era.

Back to the Eighties: (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right

Original video located here. Accessed 10th December 2022

Song title: (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right

Artist: Beastie Boys

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

Can you tell a joke too well? This song says you can - as it is well known that this song was embraced by the people the Beastie Boys were criticising. And the irony is too delicious.

Still this song works because of it revelling in it's bratty obnoxiousness. Also the video is one of the funniest I've ever seen.

Back to the Eighties: Don't Give Up

Original video located here. Accessed 9th December 2022

Song title: Don't Give Up

Artist: Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

What can I say about this one? It's expertly crafted as a duet, with all lines arranged in a conversational manner. And you can't deny the comforting power in Kate's lines. And this has certainly been a helpful song to have around in difficult times of my life - and I can imagine, for a lot of other people too.

Obituary: No More Heroes

Original video located here. Accessed 9th December 2022

Song title: No More Heroes

Artist: The Stranglers

Year: 1978

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Jet Black

Were the Stranglers really trend-chasers? Who cares? If the above video is anything to go by they certainly knew how to come across as not giving a rat's arse what any else thinks.
And this is indeed admirable. 

Back to the Eighties: Pocket Calculator

Original video located here. Accessed 8th December 2022

Song title: Pocket Calculator

Artist: Kraftwerk

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

Ermmm.... Das ist gut!

I'm a big fan for Kraftwerk - largely for their pioneering spirit and the fact their music demands full attention. So you wouldn't think they would be the kind to tackle a pop song - or at least something resembling it. Guess the success of The Model gave the impression it could work.

Needless to say, this is very unlike Kraftwerk being upbeat and fun. And somehow, it works

Back to the Eighties: If You Leave Me Can I Come too?

Original video located here. Accessed 7th December 2022

Song title: If You Leave Me Can I Come too?

Artist: Mental As Anything

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

From one group of goofballs to another.

I recall the Mentals being a major presence on radio in the eighties. And later in my adulthood, I started listening to their albums seriously. And even though the Mentals have written some quality songs, they will forever be a group of goofballs - as evidenced by this song. Sure the main hook is the pun of the title but there is quite snappy song. And that is the deception that works in the Mentals favour: Great songs written by a goofballs

Back to the Eighties: I'm Gonna Be 500 Miles

Original video located here. Accessed 6th December 2022

Song title: I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)

Artist: The Proclaimers

Year: 1988

Why I like this song:

One act I remember quite vividly from the late eighties were these guys: I remember their music being a constant presence and their album, Sunshine on Leith, played a lot at home. And in adulthood, I found this song is handy to have around as a singalong - especially when you've more than a few drinks

Also of particular note was during the late eighties was when I started wearing glasses. At first it took some getting used to but then I realised: If a pair of Scottish identical twins can pull off this look then so can I

Back to the Eighties: Kiss the Dirt

Original video located here. Accessed 5th December 2022

Song title: Kiss the Dirt (Falling Down the Mountain)

Artist: INXS

Year: 1985

Why I like this song:

I was never into INXS as a kid. Yeah: Australia has it's biggest musical export and I slept through the whole thing. Throughout INXS' heyday, their music didn't do anything for me (with the exception of Beautiful Girl - but that's another story) and it was only during my adulthood that I came to see their music in a new light.

And for me, this song was the best of INXS in the eighties. The strength in the song is within it's simplicity what with the fact that a lot is done with few guitar chords and the synthesizer effect throughout. Also, perhaps it is fitting that the video is shot in a desert because this song does indeed evoke heat and wide open spaces.

Back to the Eighties: So Far Away

Original video located here. Accessed 4th December 2022

Song title: So Far Away

Artist: Dire Straits

Year: 1985

Why I like this song:

A song that ended up resonated with me in my later years. I have previously been involved in distance relationships and this song will forever remind me of them.

Back to the Eighties: House of Fun

Original video located here. Accessed 3rd December 2022

Song title: House of Fun

Artist: Madness

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

Funny thing: At first glance (listen?) one would think this is a fun/zany song. It is only with time that one realises that this song has built around a metric tonne of sexual innuendo. And I've only realised this for the first time within the past twelve months XD

Still it does prove that subtlety can indeed work wonders

Mind you however, such subtlety doesn't change the fact that I find this song handy to have around when moving into a new place

Back to the Eighties: Allentown

Original video located here. Accessed 2nd December 2022

Song title: Allentown

Artist: Billy Joel

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

So the piano man tackles a protest song? About a mining town in recession? It sounds like a strange combination but here it works. Props to Billy to coming with some really hard-hitting lines for a son that, unfortunately, is still relevant

Obituary: You Make Loving Fun

Original video located here. Accessed 1st December 2022

Song title: You Make Loving Fun

Artist: Fleetwood Mac

Year: 1977

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Christine McVie

I don't know about the rest of you but she was my favourite songwriter of Fleetwood Mac's successful era. And the above song is testament to that.

Back to the Eighties: Ever So Lonely

Original video located here. Accessed 1st December 2022

Song title: Ever so Lonely

Artist: Monsoon

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

Another case of me discovering a song until much later. Granted there is a novelty of merging Indian music with pop sensibilities but it works. This song certainly sounds unique amongst other entrants on this list and is all the better for it

Back to the Eighties: Back in Black

Original video located here. Accessed 30th November 2022

Song title: Back in Black

Artist: AC/DC

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

The beauty in simplicity. Also a handy song to have around when one enters a room XD

Back to the Eighties: Mixed Emotions

Original video located here. Accessed 29th November 2022

Song title: Mixed Emotions

Artist: Rolling Stones

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

Say what you like about 80s Stones but this song still makes the grade for two reasons. First, it was my first exposure to the Stones. And second, in 2014, i reconnected with an old friend who I had quite a nasty falling out with. Currently we are still good friends so whenever I hear this song I think of my friend and wonder how they are doing

Back to the Eighties: Uncertain Smile

Original video located here. Accessed 28th November 2022

Song title: Uncertain Smile

Artist: The The

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

Simply put: It sounds like nothing else from the entire decade. Also that piano solo, provided by none other than Jools Holland, is pretty sweet.

Got it Covered: Real Wild Child

Original video located here. Accessed 27th November 2022

Song title: Real Wild Child (Wild One)

Artist: Iggy Pop

Originally Done By: Johnny O'Keefe

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

Being a child of the eighties I effectively grew up with the presence of a fun TV show called rage. As such, this song has permanently embedded into my consciousness.

Not that I'm complaining of course. It rocks hard and Iggy takes these words and makes them his own.

I do wonder however: Would Johnny O'Keefe have liked this?

Back to the Eighties: Theme For Great Cities

Original video located here. Accessed 26th November 2022

Song title: Theme for Great Cities

Artist: Simple Minds

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

As mentioned previously, i like a good instrumental. This, I feel, is because any instrumental makes you, the listener, draw your conclusions - as opposed to having a lead singer who is telling you what to think.

I am also a firm believer that certain songs require a certain atmosphere. And this is perfect for driving through a city at night 🙂

Got it Covered: Walk This Way

Original video located here. Accessed 25th November 2022

Song title: Walk This Way

Artist: Run DMC with Aerosmith

Originally Done By: Aerosmith

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

There's not much I can say about this song that hasn't already been said. It's the merging of two completely different worlds and proof that it can work a charm (as wonderfully illustrated by the music video). And it rocks hard too.

I recently heard an argument that the true takeaway from the success of this song is the strategy of veteran/washed-up artists teaming up with some up-and-comer can lead to a second wind. Indeed, in the years to come we would see Tammy Wynette join forces with the KLF, Santana collaborate with Rob Thomas, Billy Ray Cyrus help out Lil Nas X, and Kate Bush team up with the producers of Stranger Things. It's plausible but then again nothing breeds wrong answers quite like success XD

Back to the Eighties: Otis

Original video located here. Accessed 24th November 2022

Song title: Otis

Artist: The Durutti Column

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

Won't say no to an instrumental. Especially when they're done as good as this. Yes it's pretty much all a guitar and some loops but, as is often the case, a lot is done with very little.

And sometimes certain songs can work with particular surroundings. Why, even as I type this, I am watching the evening sun set out through the front window 😃

Back to the Eighties: Order of Death

Original video located here. Accessed 23rd November 2022

Song title: Order of Death

Artist: Public Image Ltd

Year: 1984

Why I like this song:

Bit late for Halloween but still....

One thing that the advent of punk rock was how to do a lot with very little - and it's a lesson that it's successor genre, post-punk, learnt. And that is the case here: What stands out about this song is the repetition of both the minimalist lyrics and that striking guitar figure. And whilst that's pretty much all of it, it works: The song never gets boring and, as a mood piece, its damn effective

Back to the Eighties: Institutionalised

Original video located here. Accessed 22nd November 2022

Song title: Institutionalised

Artist: Suicidal Tendencies

Year: 1983

Why I like this song:

This song is definitely a case of only finding out about it years later. In my adulthood, I was watching late night rage and I came across this. I knew nothing about it beforehand but I was struck by how it was constructed with a guitar that builds with intensity playing underneath what can only be described as a rant. It may sound strange to describe any song as an effective description of having a breakdown but this song works because the rant is hilarious.

"Don't tell me nothing! You're on drugs!!"

Back to the Eighties: Take Me Back

Original video located here. Accessed 21st November 2022

Song title: Take me Back

Artist: Noiseworks

Year: 1987

Why I like this song:

It may be easy to dismiss this song as being atypical 80s bombast but that's exactly what makes it work. Kind of like in a 'professional wrestler entry theme' kind of way.

In relation to the lyrics, do I have a 'one that got away' story of my own? Certainly but I have better things to do than wonder what could've been XD

Back to the Eighties: Little Red Corvette

Original video located here. Accessed 20th November 2022

Song title: Little Red Corvette

Artist: Prince

Year: 1983

Why I like this song:

I will admit that i took a while to warm up to Prince. Because at the end of the day, as this song demonstrates, he certainly knows his way around a snappy pop song. (and a few other things as well I can imagine)

Back to the Eighties: The Killing Moon

Original video located here. Accessed 19th November 2022

Song title: The Killing Moon

Artist: Echo and the Bunnymen

Year: 1984

Why I like this song:

I first heard this back in the late nineties. At the time I didn't know what to think of it but it eventually grew on me.

And that explains just why this song succeeds: It seduces. So many elements in play that gradually win the listener over: That opening guitar, the bass and light drumming, the growly guitar and the strings.

Maybe it's the product of an overactive imagination but i will always associate this song as being akin to being approached by a succubus. Which makes the seductive nature of it make sense XD

Back to the Eighties: Turning Japanese

Original video located here. Accessed 18th November 2022

Song title: Turning Japanese

Artist: The Vapors

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

It's the anthem of anime geeks everywhere.

Pretty all that needs to be said really. XD

Back to the Eighties: Birthday

Original video located here. Accessed 17th November 2022

Song title: Birthday

Artist: Sugarcubes

Year: 1988

Why I like this song:

It sounds like nothing else around at the time. Unique, expressive and delightfully strange.

Also it's a favourite to play every June 11th.

Got It Covered: Pipeline

Original video located here. Accessed 16th November 2022

Song title: Pipeline

Artist: Dick Dale and Stevie Ray Vaughan

Originally Done By: Chantays

Year: 1987

Why I like this song:

Behold: A cover.

And a case of finding out stuff when you're an adult: I doubt had I seen Pulp Fiction I would've become aware of the music of Dick Dale. And I certainly won't say no an instrumental.

What makes this one special is seeing (hearing?) two expert guitarists working off one another and each with their distinctive sound: Dale with the deep roar and Vaughan with his higher pitch. Great stuff

Back to the Eighties: We're Not Gonna Take It

Original video located here. Accessed 15th November 2022

Song title: We're Not Gonna Take It

Artist: Twisted Sister

Year: 1984

Why I like this song:

Sometimes you just need something to hear when you're pissed off.

The music video is hilarious too.

Back to the Eighties: Rock the Casbah

Original video located here. Accessed 14th November 2022

Song title: Rock the Casbah

Artist: The Clash

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

I listened to a lot of 2nd wave punk music in my teens so it was inevitable that i would branch out and go after the music of the first wave. And I found it much to my liking, being an outlet for anger and a rallying cry for the rebel in me.

As for this song, it is the Clash at their funkiest - certainly a far cry from the punk which they made themselves known for but hey, it's certainly a party-starter. And the rage is still there. So an angry song can get a party stated? Who would've thunk it?

Back to the Eighties: Walk Away Renee

Original video located here. Accessed 13th November 2022

Song title: Walk Away Renee

Artist: Billy Bragg

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

This has to be one of the most humorous break-up songs ever. As such a topic usually inspires songs that are sad or angry but rare is the break-up song with such funny lines.

e.g.: "I confronted her about it / I said: "I'm the most illegible bachelor in town! / And she said: "Yeah that's why i can never understand any of those silly letter you send"

Back to the Eighties: Billie Jean

Original video located here. Accessed 12th November 2022

Song title: Billie Jean

Artist: Michael Jackson

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

I guess it's safe to say that the eighties would be defined by Michael Jackson, both with his music and his rise to super stardom. But if everyone knew Michael Jackson was, I however was the exception. I knew nothing of the man nor his music - and at a time when people of all ages would be familiar with him.

So what do I think of this song then? Well a cynic would think that it's a sign of paranoia creeping in - that would haunt MJ for years to come - and it's huge ask of the listener to empathise with the wealthy popstar and not the impoverished single mother. So how does this song get away with it?

It's the bass line. Yep, let's go with that

Back to the Eighties: Every Breath You Take

Original video located here. Accessed 11th November 2022

Song title: Every Breath You Take

Artist: The Police

Year: 1983

Why I like this song:

I don't believe time has been kind to this song. If anything people know this song for being both THE stalkers anthem and something you don't want played at your wedding. But such jokes really sell the song short: For it is a very effective song about loneliness, what with the lyrics and the constantly looping guitar (no doubt mimicking the thought pattern of a guy going crazy).

Is that the reason why people seem so keen on the jokes, as it provides some comfort against uncomfortable truths? Maybe

Back to the Eighties: Your Wildest Dreams

Original video located here. Accessed 11th November 2022

Song title: Your Wildest Dreams

Artist: The Moody Blues

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

I have something for a soft spot for the Moody Blues. I can attribute this as this was another act passed down from me from my father. Indeed, I recall the Moodies landmark 1967 album Days of Future Passed as being the very first album I heard from start to finish. And you don't forget stuff like that.

It should be noted that the 1980s were kind to veteran acts (boomer nostalgia perhaps?) so of course the Moodies would show up in this list of 80s music. That and the fact that the song is quite a snappy one. Okay sure there's a whole of eighties production going on here but it works - that and we have one of John Lodge's finest bass lines

Back to the Eighties: You're the Best

Original video located here. Accessed 9th November 2022

Song title: You're the Best

Artist: Joe Esposito

Year: 1984

Why I like this song:

I confess: I'm a sucker for a 'pump-up' anthem and this one delivers. Funny how a song written for a kid's movie resonates with me as an adult.

Admittedly I've never seen the Karate Kid but I will sooner associate this song with Futurama XD

Back to the Eighties: Our Lips Are Sealed

Original video located here. Accessed 8th November 2022

Song title: Our Lips are Sealed

Artist: The Go-Gos

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

I remember hearing the Spiderbait cover of this back in 1996, and I misheard the title lyric as "Alex the Seal". Sounds dumb I know but I will admit there's an idea there....

But if i can love a song that was then fifteen years old then that is a testament that the song itself cannot wither with age. Why even listening to it now, over four decades later, it sounds great

Back to the Eighties: Are You Ready to be Heartbroken

Original video located here. Accessed 7th November 2022

Song title: Are You Ready to be Heartbroken?

Artist: Lloyd Cole And The Commotions

Year: 1984

Why I like this song:

This song fascinates me on two levels. Firstly, there are some witty and sharp lines dotted throughout. Secondly, it doesn't sound like a product of it's time. This certainly sounds unique against the rest of the eighties music canon and, as a result, has aged a lot better against it's contemporaries.

Back to the Eighties: Everywhere

Original video located here. Accessed 6th November 2022

Song title: Everywhere

Artist: Fleetwood Mac

Year: 1987

Why I like this song:

It can't be disputed that the fortunes of Fleetwood Mac changed dramatically when they brought in Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. However when i listen to the material produced by the classic line up (Buckingham/Nicks/McVie/McVie/Fleetwood) it's the songs written by Christine McVie that end up sticking out for me. Songbird. You Make Loving Fun. Don't Stop. Can't beat an output like that.

Which brings me to Everywhere: It's a pop song par excellence with great guitar work and wonderful harmonies - both of which are highlighted in live versions (like the one in the video above).

Talk about playing to one's strengths.

Back to the Eighties: Danger Zone

Original video located here. Accessed 5th November 2022

Song title: Danger Zone

Artist: Kenny Loggins

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

Some songs just make you feel like a badass

It's doubtful that this song will ever not be associated with the movie Top Gun. But personally I find it a useful song to have when you're roaring down the highway - of course my car will never be an F-14 but close enough XD

Back to the Eighties: Ghost Town

Original video located here. Accessed 4th November 2022

Song title: Ghost Town

Artist: The Specials

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

In talking about Eighties songs there are three perspectives at work: That of myself as a child, that of myself as a teenager and that of myself as a adult. And this song represents how each perspective can work on a song. Child me didn't know of it, Teenager me didn't know what to make of it but Adult me came to appreciate it.

As for the song itself, it's effective at tackling subjects like unemployment, poverty and de-urbansiation and makes it sound like a horror movie. And it still sound relevant now

Back to the Eighties: What a Feeling

Original video located here. Accessed 3rd November 2022

Song title: What a Feeling

Artist: Irene Cara

Year: 1983

Why I like this song:

Can't say I've seen the movie but I do know when I hear something I like.

So what makes this song special? A lot may rest on the shoulders of one Giorgio Moroder delivering the goods as producer. But in the end this is a slice of irresistible eighties pop and it does it's job with flair

Back to the Eighties: Mickey

Original video located here. Accessed 2nd November 2022

Song title: Mickey

Artist: Toni Basil

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

Believe it or not this song has a particular resonance for me as it was number one on the Australian charts the week i was born - and that was enough to secure a position on this list.

Some people might think this song is annoying and obnoxious but to those people i say: RELEASE THE KRAKEN!!!!!

Back to the Eighties: Hotta

Original video located here. Accessed 1st November 2022

Song title: Hotta

Artist: Sky

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

It may surprise some people but my father had an influence on my tastes in music. Indeed, i credit my interest in the Beatles, Celtic folk and classical music to my Dad. However, the returning of the favor has yet to happen (he said through gritted teeth).

But I digress: Among the list of musical acts that my father got me into there was also this: Sky. A band made up of British and Australian personnel, who enjoyed success in both countries. Some say their success was the last hurrah for the prog rock that defined the seventies and who am i to argue with such an assessment?

As for the song: I am a sucker for a great instrumental and this one delivers. Also, the song shows off the musicianship these guys have and everyone gets to solo.

Back to the Eighties: A View to a Kill

Original video located here. Accessed 31st October 2022

Song title: A View to a Kill

Artist: Duran Duran

Year: 1985

Why I like this song:

Duran Duran was, for most people, they pretty much defined much of the sound, and image, of the 1980s. Personally, when i was a kid, I knew little of Duran Duran beyond them being something of a joke: By the time I caught up to them, the tools that gave them their success looked like very old news. The videos, the synthesizers, the clothes and the make-up and a sensation amongst the teens that would make the boy bands of the late 90s/early 2000s envious.

Getting past that however, Duran Duran did have some great songs at their disposal so i went with this one: The theme to the James Bond of the same name. Yes this song plays to their strengths - big drums, prominent bass, and the synthesizers - but it's the fact that it's a Bond theme pushes it over the edge. And as a result it can hold it's held high as being one of the best Bond themes.

Back to the Eighties: Sounds of Then

Original video located here. Accessed 30th October 2022

Song title: Sounds of Then

Artist: GANGgajang

Year: 1985

Why I like this song:

I've always felt that the eighties were a golden era for Australian pop music so expect a lot more to come.

As for the song, well it's summer anthem. It perfectly illustrates the Australian summer both lyrically and musically (it's amazing what a delay pedal can do). I have enjoyed listening every summer and I anticipate to keep on doing so with more summers to come.

Back to the Eighties: Veronica

Original video located here. Accessed 29th October 2022

Song title: Veronica

Artist: Elvis Costello

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

It's the meeting of minds: Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney joining forces to write a song together. And what do they come up with? The most cheerful-sounding very written concerning dementia.

It's certainly a strange combination but that's what make it so appealing

Back to the Eighties: Make Me Lose Control

|Original video located here. Accessed 28th October 2022

Song title: Make Me Lose Control

Artist: Eric Carmen

Year: 1988

Why I like this song:

I remember this song fondly as I recall it being played a lot on radio at the time. It may be easy to dismiss this being part of the 'cliche' interpretation of eighties pop with the 'big' production sound and the nods to 60s music. But to me, this song represents living in late eighties suburbia like nothing else

Also those harmonies are fantastic.

Back to the Eighties: Crockett's Theme

Original video located here. Accessed 27th October 2022

Song title: Crockett's Theme

Artist: Jan Hammer

Year: 1984

Why I like this song:

Can't get more eighties with this - what with it's use of synthesizers, the guitar part and it's association with one of the most defining TV shows of the era.

Personally I like this song as it gives off a vibe of 'make-out' music. Yes whilst the seventies had Barry White and Marvin Gaye, the eighties had this XD

Back to the Eighties: Kickstart My Heart

Original video located here. Accessed 26th October 2022

Song title: Kickstart My Heart

Artist: Motley Crue

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

Yes i will admit this song is a product of it's time and the me of today may dismiss it as cheesy but somewhere inside me there is a seven old boy who thinks this is the greatest thing ever. And in this case he won out.

I guess it goes to show that a chorus with a lot of "WHOA!" and "YEAH!" can do gangbusters.

Back to the Eighties: The Homecoming Queens Got a Gun

Original video located here. Accessed 25th October 2022

Song title: The Homecoming Queen's Got a Gun

Artist: Julie Brown

Year: 1985

Why I like this song:

And now, an exercise in black humour - my preferred brand of humour.

Granted this song hasn't aged well in the post-Columbine world we live in but I still find it funny because a) Julie's performance as a valley girl and b) some of the lines here are gold.

e.g.: "An hour later the cops arrived / By then the entire glee club had died (no big loss)"

Back to the Eighties: 99 Luftballoons

Original video located here. Accessed 24th October 2022

Song title: 99 LuftBalloons

Artist: Nena

Year: 1983

Why I like this song:

When I think of eighties music, it is defined by synthesizers, simple but effective guitar, prominent bass and pounding drums. I will certainly admit that perception may be cliche but this songs delivers such elements in spades. And it gets even more eighties by throwing in a narrative involving Cold War paranoia.

This Song Rocks: Found That Soul

Original video located here. Accessed 19th September 2022

Song title: Found That Soul

Artist: Manic Street Preachers

Year: 2001

Why I like this song:

Following on from hearing Smashing Pumpkins Machina album(s) in a new light could the same be said for the Manics?
I did purchase the Know Your Enemy album when it first came out but I found it quite the perplexing listen - it was long and very scattershot, as if it was a double album trimmed down into one (much like Machina).
With retrospect I can understand the problem facing the Manics at the time: do they keep going with the new audience they found through Everything Must Go and This is My Truth Tell Me Yours? Or do they fall back on the original audience they may have alienated with recent success? In which case, such intentions would have worked as a double album with both targets being satisfied but it didn't turn out that way.

Which now brings me to the recent release of the remastered version of Know Your Enemy: It has been remade into the double album it should've been all along. With this in mind, if we redo the track list of Know Your Enemy in accordance to this new track list what do we get?

A more cohesive listen that's for sure. And the original intention with Know Your Enemy becomes so clear. Guess it is possible to appeal to two audiences at once. 

Obituary: Took the Children Away

Original video located here. Accessed 1st August 2022

Song title: Took the Children Away

Artist: Archie Roach

Year: 1990

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Archie Roach

I did manage to see Archie Roach live when he was playing support to Rodriguez. I recall after his set he was out in the foyer of the DEC. I saw him chatting to fans, signing autographs and looking genuinely happy.
And that's how I wish to remember him.

The Asian Connection: Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru

Original video located here. Accessed 6th June 2022

Song title: Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru

Artist: Akari Akase

Year: 2022

Why I like this song:

Lately I've been watching the anime My Dress Up Darling. Its a fun series and very relatable - indeed I know quite a few people who are like Marin - and it caps off with this rather cute closing theme. 
"Nom-Nom-Nom..."

Obituary: Enjoy the Silence

Original video located here. Accessed 25th May 2022

Song title: Enjoy the Silence

Artist: Depeche Mode

Year: 1990

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Andy Fletcher

Still a unique sounding song years later. In fact, I think I like it better than Personal Jesus

Obituary: I'm Stranded

Original video located here. Accessed 11th April 2022

Song title: (I'm) Stranded

Artist: The Saints

Year: 1977

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Chris Bailey

When it comes to the first wave of punk rock, the U.K. had the Sex Pistols, the U.S. had the Ramones but we Aussies had the Saints. Simply put, this still has a roar that has rarely been beaten,

The Asian Connection: Lend Me Your Voice

Original video located here. Accessed 4th March 2022

Song title: Lend Me Your Voice

Artist: Kylie McNeill

Year: 2021

Why I like this song:

I recently saw Belle. Very good movie it was too.
I have seen plenty of anime over this life across many genres. But the more I think about it, there are not a lot of anime musicals. Maybe it's a cultural thing but no-one seems eager to try. So when someone DOES try it's worthy of notice.

So yes this may be aiming for an international audience and yes it may be an attempt at beating Disney at their own game but DAMN does this soar. Remarkable.

Obituary: Nearly Lost You

Original video located here. Accessed 23rd February 2023

Song title: Nearly Lost You

Artist: Screaming Trees

Year: 1993

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Mark Lanegan

I recall my brother watching a clip of this rage and he had one of those lightbulb moments. You know: A "Who's this!?" moment.
Of course I would later became further aware of Mark through his collaboration with the Queens of the Stone Age. But that doesn't take away from the brilliance of this song.